Detox 5 - Clinical Method

Opiate addicts are detoxified over five days with light sedation and other medications to control their withdrawal symptoms. Service users are under constant nursing observation during this process. Most opiate molecules wear off the receptors in the brain in three days. On the fourth day, we introduce naltrexone hydrochloride, which clears all remaining opiate molecules. On the fifth day the naltrexone installs an opiate block which helps to prevent relapse - provided the patient continues to take a daily tablet.

As an alternative to oral naltrexone, most of our service users elect to have an implant which lasts for twelve weeks. We recommend that, whichever route, naltrexone treatment lasts for twelve months. We strongly recommend aftercare in the local area and include twelve-weeks telephone support to compliment this.

98% of admissions complete the Detox 5 programme and are discharged opiate-free with an opiate block in place. Detox 5 has safely detoxed over 7,500 opiate addicts since 1996. Our clinical lead is a consultant psychiatrist who is the responsible clinician for all admissions to Detox 5. He is supported by our specialist nursing staff and junior doctors as well as his nominated deputy.

Service users are referred by their GP or a professional in their community drug team. GPs must be aware of the referral to provide any medical history as well as elements of aftercare support; e.g. prescriptions of naltrexone tablets.

Traditionally service users have funded themselves onto the Detox 5 programme but increasingly referrals and funding have come via local DATs as part of the recovery agenda and the impending payment by results. Please see our page on commissioning Detox 5.

We also welcome telephone enquiries; please call 01423 560632 to speak to one of our clinicians.

Suitable Candidates

We accept patients addicted to all opiates. Nearly half of our admissions are dependent on methadone or subutex. Most fit one or more of the following criteria:

• Unsuccessful outpatient or 'community' detox
  
• Unsuccessful traditional inpatient detox due to pain experienced
  
• Those seeking complete privacy
  
• Those who need to return to work quickly

Four elements are crucial for abstinence:

• A strong commitment from the patients themselves
  
• The availability of a sound aftercare network
  
• A family member or friend to monitor daily medication, unless an implant is used
  
• The GP's support, renewing the naltrexone prescription for 12 months
  

We also accept those with concomitant addictions; e.g. alcohol and/or acute psychological disorders. Such cases often require extended programmes with inpatient stays of typically 12 or 19 days.

Why use Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is not a cure for addiction, but is an effective part of the aftercare package by blocking all opiates. 50mg daily may be administered orally under the supervision of a family member or close friend. Naltrexone implants provide an alternative to the daily tablet which requires compliance and consistent encouragement. Detox 5 offer naltrexone implants which last for twelve weeks and are the preferred option of more than half of those who access our services. Please see our page on naltrexone.

Naltrexone has been in use in the UK over 30 years, having recieved its product licence, as a tablet, in 1988. Those who have previously suffered from methadone addiction have a low risk of abusing naltrexone as It is non-addictive and has no mood altering effects. Clinical studies have shown that patients on naltrexone have reduced opiate cravings, and are more likely to remain drug-free than those who do not.

See our research articles page for more information.

To Make a Referral

Download the referral form

We accept referrals from GPs and specialist NHS / voluntary sector drug treatment teams. Patients come to us from every country in the UK as well as from overseas.

The cost is £3,200 for the five-day detox plus 12-week aftercare support. Implants cost £750 for a treatment which lasts for twelve weeks. A five-day inpatient detoxification with a twelve-week opiate block is therefore £3950.